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NEW MEXICO PUBLIC REGULATION COMMISSION
FROM THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT 3 COMMISSIONER VALERIE ESPINOZA
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PRESS CONTACT » CARLOS PADILLA » 505-827-4446 » CARLOS.PADILLA2@STATE.N M.US
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2015
NEWS RELEASE
Commissioner Espinoza Expresses Concerns
Regarding Recent PRC Decisions, Performance
SANTA FE – New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Valerie Espinoza has found herself on the
dissenting side of a number of votes recently, but proudly stands by her choices, stating that she will not
waiver when it comes to matters of public safety and accountability for public officials.
Most recently, Commissioner Espinoza has expressed concerns with the recent decisions regarding
Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft. “My biggest concerns are always the
protection of consumers and to do what’s in the very best interest of the public,” says Espinoza, following
the Wednesday, April 29 meeting. “I didn’t want any part of this idiocy. I voted ‘no’ as it relates to revising
the rules of the TNCs. They have been deemed a motor carrier, and that means they should be subjected to a
drug test at the minimum. But to jump through hoops to accommodate these TNCs does not level the
playing field, as was intended.”
One area in which Commissioner Espinoza takes some comfort is that the New Mexico Attorney General
shares her concerns on this issue. “I’m glad one other elected official other than myself is concerned about
public safety as it relates to the PRC’s need for drug testing and proper coverage. The AG’s Office agrees
that TNCs are subject to drug and alcohol testing. Anyone who doesn’t see this as a must is making our
streets unsafe and reducing safety standards. I vowed to protect not only the residents of New Mexico’s
pocketbooks, but to clean up the past history and reputation of the PRC.”
Espinoza joined Commissioner Pat Lyons in a 3-2 vote on March 18, 2015, seeking to continue with an
annual salary cap in place since 2011 of $99,000 for PRC employees, citing the need to raise mid- and
lower-level employees before worrying about further raising the salaries of the upper echelon of staff at the
state agency. The majority of the Commission, however, rescinded the salary cap.
Commissioner Espinoza also took issue with the agency’s handling of a fatal train wreck that took place
early Tuesday morning, April 28, and the decisions behind the handling of the agency’s response. “I took it
upon myself at the request of John Strooarczk of the Federal Railroad Administration to dispatch a qualified
transportation investigator to the scene to assist the NTSB investigators responding to the scene of the crash,
but who had not yet arrived from out of state,” Espinoza says. “And I’d do it again,” she says, “I will not
hesitate when it comes to public safety and providing the functions as spelled out in 8-8-11.b (railroad safety
enforcement).” She herself drove to Dexter to offer her support during the tragic occurrence and in the
PRC’s role as the enforcement agency. “I was proud to see Chris Martinez, a certified and trained Federal
Railroad Administration investigator, in action and how he was able to assist to that degree,” Espinoza
states. “My condolences to the family.”
In conclusion, Commissioner Espinoza says, “I have been actively working with other elected officials and
utility companies to improve infrastructure in northern New Mexico, and especially the quality of service
each of the utilities as required to provide, including telecom. Staying focused on all areas of and
representing all of New Mexico is my highest priority.”
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